Butterflies are known for their transformation. They symbolize change and emphasize the power of transition. Through the metamorphosis process, they inspire others to alter their lives for the better. What makes me, me? I thrive in change; I live the life of a butterfly, where the only constant is, change.
Butterflies are recognized for their ability to evolve, but do they appreciate their gift? Speaking as a butterfly, my response is no. Throughout my life, I tried every possible way to deter change. I always tried to stay within my comfort zone, and avoid anything new and daring. My mom, on the other hand, always looked for a way to challenge me.
In elementary school, I moved up with the same kids every year; over 6 years, we grew close and I wanted to make sure it was kept that way. When graduation neared, I made a decision that I wanted to go to Marine Park JHS with my friends, although my mom had different plans for me; When September came, I was enrolled in Bay Academy, for drama. I fought her on it for months, I cried and tortured her; but, when she finally gave in, I had already made new friends and wanted to stay. I've always underestimated myself, and doubted that I could handle foreign situations, nevertheless succeed. When I graduated JHS, it was Deja-vu. I wanted to go to Madison HS, where all of my neighborhood friends were, once again, going. Did I not learn anything? My mom, however, made me put Leon M. Goldstein HS, as my number one. Since that was a hard HS to get into, I was okay with it being on the top of my list; I wasn't smart enough to make it anyway, right? Wrong. The letter came that I was to start LMGHS in the fall, and guess what? I bawled.
The school was unbelievable; No metal detectors, cell phones permitted, Smart Boards in every room, Mac desktops in all the labs, booths and a TV in the lunchroom, and a school store with everything a teenager could possibly ask for (Bagels, Soda, Candy, Chips, Clothes etc.) I was in paradise, yet I still had a terrible mindset; I didn't want to be there at all. I ran out of school everyday, the second the bell rang, I was gone; off to Madison. I didn't participate in any extracurricular activities, nevermind staying in school a second after I had to. I was more worried about everyone else, than myself. This is another flaw that I have, putting everyone before me; I worry about disappointing others, rather than worrying about myself. As a transitioning butterfly, this makes room for disaster.
Butterflies need to adapt to their new, reformed look; they can't fly right away or they will damage their wings. The wings need to dry to successfully complete there transformation. I, a stubborn butterfly, had to learn this the hard way; My social life was great, but my schoolwork lacked. Inside, this was eating me apart. I had to make a decision. This time, I turned to my mom for guidance. She simply told me, "Worry about yourself". It wasn't the first time I've heard this from her, but this time it was slowly sinking it. I started to realize that I couldn't rely on other people to make my life have meaning. Sophomore year of high school, my life started to fall into place. I started to socialize, met some of my best friends, and together we got through school. At this point, I started to embrace change. I took it and used it to my advantage; I decided that it's all or nothing. Instead of trying to fit in, I made it my goal to start defining myself. I started taking risks; I dyed my hair black, cut it all off, and completely altered my wardrobe. This only lasted a few months before I decided to go red, and then strawberry blonde, and golden blonde and I even got so far as to platinum! I was constantly changing, and I loved it! From this point on, I looked for any way to challenge myself and take risks; My wings were finally strengthening, and getting ready to flutter.
Change defines me. I imagine that I leave every individual, in whom I cross paths with a different image of myself, and I am proud of that. Of course the strong characteristics that my mom used to mold me and helped me grow are permanently imprinted on my wings, but the details are forever changing. What makes me, me? I am just your average butterfly.
In elementary school, I moved up with the same kids every year; over 6 years, we grew close and I wanted to make sure it was kept that way. When graduation neared, I made a decision that I wanted to go to Marine Park JHS with my friends, although my mom had different plans for me; When September came, I was enrolled in Bay Academy, for drama. I fought her on it for months, I cried and tortured her; but, when she finally gave in, I had already made new friends and wanted to stay. I've always underestimated myself, and doubted that I could handle foreign situations, nevertheless succeed. When I graduated JHS, it was Deja-vu. I wanted to go to Madison HS, where all of my neighborhood friends were, once again, going. Did I not learn anything? My mom, however, made me put Leon M. Goldstein HS, as my number one. Since that was a hard HS to get into, I was okay with it being on the top of my list; I wasn't smart enough to make it anyway, right? Wrong. The letter came that I was to start LMGHS in the fall, and guess what? I bawled.
The school was unbelievable; No metal detectors, cell phones permitted, Smart Boards in every room, Mac desktops in all the labs, booths and a TV in the lunchroom, and a school store with everything a teenager could possibly ask for (Bagels, Soda, Candy, Chips, Clothes etc.) I was in paradise, yet I still had a terrible mindset; I didn't want to be there at all. I ran out of school everyday, the second the bell rang, I was gone; off to Madison. I didn't participate in any extracurricular activities, nevermind staying in school a second after I had to. I was more worried about everyone else, than myself. This is another flaw that I have, putting everyone before me; I worry about disappointing others, rather than worrying about myself. As a transitioning butterfly, this makes room for disaster.
Butterflies need to adapt to their new, reformed look; they can't fly right away or they will damage their wings. The wings need to dry to successfully complete there transformation. I, a stubborn butterfly, had to learn this the hard way; My social life was great, but my schoolwork lacked. Inside, this was eating me apart. I had to make a decision. This time, I turned to my mom for guidance. She simply told me, "Worry about yourself". It wasn't the first time I've heard this from her, but this time it was slowly sinking it. I started to realize that I couldn't rely on other people to make my life have meaning. Sophomore year of high school, my life started to fall into place. I started to socialize, met some of my best friends, and together we got through school. At this point, I started to embrace change. I took it and used it to my advantage; I decided that it's all or nothing. Instead of trying to fit in, I made it my goal to start defining myself. I started taking risks; I dyed my hair black, cut it all off, and completely altered my wardrobe. This only lasted a few months before I decided to go red, and then strawberry blonde, and golden blonde and I even got so far as to platinum! I was constantly changing, and I loved it! From this point on, I looked for any way to challenge myself and take risks; My wings were finally strengthening, and getting ready to flutter.
Change defines me. I imagine that I leave every individual, in whom I cross paths with a different image of myself, and I am proud of that. Of course the strong characteristics that my mom used to mold me and helped me grow are permanently imprinted on my wings, but the details are forever changing. What makes me, me? I am just your average butterfly.
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